Here's chapter 12: Mama Bear, Papa Snake
As usual I had a bit of a struggle with this chapter, Inohana being harder for me to write than any of my other stories - also trying to write Orochimaru without either becoming comically evil, or too non evil - if that's a thing - is a challenge. Not sure I succeeded on that front.
Next up in the rotation should be Mischief Siriusly Managed, then we'll see what I'll do next. I continue to fight my muse to prevent myself from developing yet another story, four is enough to juggle in one go.
As usual I do not own, make money off, or in any way have a right to the characters of Naruto or its world. I'm just a lowly fanfiction writer.
Hope you enjoy it!
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Kushina had to admit, she enjoyed the quiet, for a change. Not something she thought she'd ever think - she was too energetic to have ever been comfortable with sitting still, and after Uzuzhio… Silence allowed her to think too much, so she filled the void with noise, pranks, explosions. Anything to fill that gaping hole left behind where all her joy and love used to be. The one ripped into her by the destruction of everything and everyone she ever loved.
She luxuriorated in the bowl of ramen in front of her, taking in the aroma, just closing her eyes in utter satisfaction. Usually she ate it so fast - there was a certain new enjoyment over slowing down, and savoring every smell and flavor. And she'd only had 6 bowls - when's the last time she'd done that? Gosh, it's almost like a diet, something she'd never even contemplated, why mess with perfection, after all. Poor Teuchi was sending her concerned looks in-between serving customers. It's unfortunate that rationing has made his menu somewhat less filling and tasty lately, civilians also not having the same purchasing power to go waste on eating out as before. Everyone was hoarding whatever they had. Grimly waiting for times to get harder.
It would make things more difficult for Teuchi, hopefully she could help keep him afloat.
Kushina took another slow bite, smirking wryly, as she spotted Teuchi's dumbstruck look - perhaps it was mean of her to worry him so. Still tastes just as good. She thought loyally. Rationing or not - nothing could keep her from Ichiraku's. She'd have to make sure to express that to Teuchi after, to ease his worries a bit. In these difficult times for the civilians - she was probably at least ten percent of his business. She might need to pick up her habit a bit more - make it twenty percent.
Lost in the aroma of excellence, her mind soon turned back to the reason for this newfound enjoyment of silence and peace. Inohana was gone for the Academy survival exercise - and Kakashi was gone to supervise.
She loved Inohana, she really did. The girl just connected with her in a way she'd never felt before, filled her being in a different way then Minato, both of them fixing that crying wound in her soul, slowly but surely. And Kakashi… Well. He was Minato's, so that made him hers as well, didn't it?. And eventually he'd loosen up. She smirked a little more maliciously to herself, She had her ways… she lifted the bowl up, and drained the broth, smacking her lips in pleasure. Smiling at Teuchi as he immediately delivered another one. She'd once in the academy declared she was going to marry the man, to his utter mortification - if she hadn't found Minato, who knows? Ramen everyday was a powerful aphrodisiac.
"Everything okay, Kushina?" The sweet man asked concernedly, after depositing the steaming bowl of heavenly ramen. "You've hardly touched your food. He indicated the now empty seven bowls next to her.
She laughed amusedly, "Don't worry, Teuchi, I'm not on a diet, or anything. Just the kids are out of the house, dattebane!" And with their constant sniping at each other, I was one step away from gluing them together for a week to make them cooperate. She thought, glad to get this break.
"Kids, plural?" Teuchi asked with raised eyebrows, "I know about little Inohana-chan, did you pick up another one?"
"Another genius, dattebane!" Kushina complained, shoulders slumping slightly. "Minato's student, Hatake Kakashi." She met Teuchi's amused gaze with a playful one of her own, "Why do I keep collecting geniuses, Teuchi?"
"It's the ramen." Teuchi said, nodding firmly. "I always thought it was genius food - and since they don't come here much on their own…" Teuchi rubbed his chin thoughtfully, "They must get their needs sated by you!" He finished, sagely.
Kushina reddened slightly, almost choking on her ramen, "Teuchi!" She scolded, trying to hold back laughter. Several nearby customers weren't as polite and were openly laughing at the chef.
The ramen proprietor blushed redder than Kushina had ever seen him, a tall task indeed, as he worked around steaming pots all day. He waved his hands in front of him, spluttering, "That came out wrong, I only meant they count on you for their ramen intake!" He pleaded.
Kushina laughed freely, eventually settling down to giggling over her bowl, Teuchi using the excuse of another customer to run away. Calls for him to sate their needs as well being shouted mockingly from the nearby customers. She grabbed her chopsticks again, preparing to finish off her bowl, when she noticed Mikoto walk through the flaps of the stand. She waved at the Uchiha, somewhat surprised to see her. Kushina hardly ever managed to drag the prim Uchiha to Ichiraku's.
It's one of the reasons behind why she knew that clan was actually evil. No appreciation for ramen. Except Mikoto of course, she was the only non-evil exception.
Mikoto hurried over, a worried twist to her features that made Kushina's insides freeze suddenly. "Kushina! I just heard! How's Inohana-chan doing?"
Kushina felt dread pooling in her stomach, but forcefully settled herself, it's fine, she's just on a survival exercise, it's fine! She thought fiercely. She met Mikoto's worried eyes, "What did you hear, Mikoto-chan? She's on the Academy survival exercise, dattebane!?"
Mikoto gasped, lifting a hand to her mouth, staring at Kushina in shock, "Kami… They didn't notify you?" She whispered, horrified.
Kushina snapped her chopsticks in half as her hands clenched, panic swirling up inside her, "Notify me of what!?" She shouted at her best friend. Her mind was already dreaming up nightmare scenarios, her blood rushing.
Mikoto hesitated for a moment. Before rushing forward the last distance between them, and pulling Kushina into a hug. Holding her tight. "She was ambushed by missing nin during the exercise. I heard it was… Bad." Kushina twitched in her arms, "They sent Tsunade-Sama to meet them on route ."
Tsunade was never sent out of the village anymore. The woman absolutely refused. Kushina felt her whole world disappear from under her feet.
Chakra erupted violently, Mikoto barely succeeded in holding Kushina down, trying to calm her. The twofold reason for her impromptu hug. "Kushina! They sent Tsunade! I'm sure she's fine!" She shouted. She really hadn't suspected Kushina to be unaware. And she couldn't not tell her, now. No matter that this wasn't the time and place for her to find out.
Kushina growled, it had happened again! She was NEVER going to let that girl out of her sight, NEVER AGAIN, DATTEBANE!
Eventually Mikoto managed to calm her down enough, pointing out that she might damage Ichiraku ramen if she exploded here. And that surely Inohana was waiting for her at the hospital, right this moment. Kushina barely managed to keep a lid on her fear and anger. The whispers of the Ninetails immediately trying to take advantage of her, she slammed the lid down on that, hard.
A worried and enraged Kushina left quickly for the hospital at that point. Mikoto worked hard to keep up, flashing hand signals to call off the ANBU team that approached during Kushina's wild flight, her killing intent leaking everywhere.
At least once she could lay eyes on Inohana, she'd calm down.
Tsunade would have healed her right up, just get to the hospital and it would all be okay, Mikoto prayed, straining to keep pace with Kushina. Blowing past buildings in their mad dash across the rooftops.
Once they got there, Kushina would calm down.
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"What do you mean she's not here!" Kushina snapped, slamming her hands down on the reception desk with such force, they became indented in the metal. The desk groaning as metal warped, a flicker of red chakra appearing for a moment, the horrific feeling of it drawing everyone's attention.
Mikoto winced, hopelessly trying to pull her friend back, as several Shinobi, either here for appointments or escorting someone - turned their attention to them, hands lowering to weapons pouches unconsciously. They'd already been watching since Kushina entered in a rage - but they certainly seemed more intent now.
The emergency room receptionist, a young blonde and blue eyed nurse, likely a Yamanaka with those looks, gulped, as she stared into the face of the murderous Uzumaki. "She was… Discharged." She managed to get out, finding the file and flipping it open. Glad for an excuse to avoid the Uzumaki's eyes.
"Why was I not notified!? I wasn't even notified she was injured!" Kushina gritted out between clenched teeth, hands slowly pulling away from the indentations in the desk. The receptionist's eyes flickering down to the damage with trepidation.
"Kushina, sweetie, calm down. If she's discharged it means she's healed up, this is good news." Mikoto stressed, laying a soothing hand on her friend's shoulder. "I'm sure the nice nurse will cooperate with any question you have." She continued, giving said nurse a pointed look.
The nurse nodded rapidly. Flipping through the file, looking for all pertinent information that might lead to getting these people out of her emergency room. She might get sanctioned for revealing patient information, but she'd challenge anyone below the level of Tsunade-Sama - if they'd do anything else in this situation. She was made of more fragile bits than her metallic desk.
She found the necessary information, and took a deep breath before nervously smiling at the two Kunoichi in front of her. "I am sorry, Uzumaki-san, but you're not listed as a next of kin, and wouldn't have been notified in case of injury." Her smile became tremulous as the Uzumaki glared at her with such intensity and ferocity the nurse almost ran for cover. The nurse couldn't understand how the woman wasn't exuding actual killing intent. She looked like she wanted to rip her limbs apart and eat them.
"We can fix that, Kushina." Mikoto soothed her desperately, "We'll ask to add you to her medical file, it's not a big deal, just an oversight, you probably missed that part of the paperwork when you made her your apprentice." She continued to almost pet the woman in front of her, letting out a breath of relief as she slowly seemed to calm down. From absolute rage - to just simmering ferocity.
"Yes, you can ask her family to be added as next of kin if you want, as well." The nurse said quickly, closing the file, glad to see the back of them. She was going to kill Kotaru-san for making her switch shifts - she'd almost voided her bladder when the Uzumaki had flown into the emergency room, hair wafting into tails above her head. Like… They were right now, again. Oh dear. What had she said now?
"YOU RELEASED HER TO HER FAMILY!?" Kushina roared, chakra spiking wildly, hair rising straight up in the air. The nurse dropped all pretenses and ducked under her desk, hands over her head, as chakra chains started to flow out of the enraged Uzumaki.
Mikoto drew a weary hand down her face. "Oh no…" She shook her head, grimacing as the ANBU team she'd managed to appease so far, appeared around them. No longer willing to stand by and let things play out.
"Uzumaki-san. Stand down!" ANBU Otter ordered tersely. Every Shinobi in the emergency room was on edge, fingering their weapons, as they watched the stand off. Mikoto counted at least three Jounin. She really hoped Kushina could pull it together, she got a little emotional when it came to that girl.
"Where. IS. INOHANA!?" Kushina ground out, twitching as she struggled to keep her temper down, chakra ebbing and flowing. The sight of the ANBU around her, managing to register, and force the realization of how dangerously angry she was becoming. And fearful. What would happen if Inohana woke up and found herself back with her father?
Could the girl handle that? The feeling of betrayal. Kushina had promised she'd never have to go back.
She'd have to apologize to the receptionist later, and the ANBU, and Mikoto and gosh, Teuchi. She'd lost it in Ichiraku's. She swallowed down her anger and fear, she was a Kunoichi. She could handle this. Professionally.
Right as she pulled her chakra back in, her hair settling down on her shoulders instead of in the air, she snapped, "Screw this, dattebane!" She could be professional, later! When she had Inohana back!
She disappeared, utilizing the body flicker. Feeling the ANBU team in pursuit.
Mikoto sighed, deciding to stay behind for now, get the full story out of the nurse. Smooth things over a bit.
Kushina would be fine. Probably.
The ANBU would stop any casualties.
Probably.
Seriously, why was Minato never around when he was actually needed with his flashy technique?
Kushina was right, the man was a damn unreliable flake.
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Kushina kept a step ahead of the ANBU team as she rushed determinedly towards the Tsubuki compound. She would not allow that man to hurt Inohana any longer. If he tried to stop her…. Her eyes hardened, as her mouth set in a grim line. Hokage orders be damned, she'd kill the bastard. She'd bet a Jinchuuriki trumped a psychopath civilian clan leader in the eyes of the village leadership. There weren't any more Uzumaki to stick the Kyuubi in, she'd be punished, no doubt. But nothing she couldn't handle. They needed her too much. For all that she hadn't been deployed yet, Konoha did not want to be the first to add a Jinchuuriki to the battle line, knowing it would escalate things. She was still their ultimate weapon. They wouldn't punish her too harshly.
She was getting close, when she abruptly came to a stop on the roof of a restaurant, flipping back from her forward momentum, three kunai flung into the roof in front of her sandaled feet. The ANBU team landed and perched on a separate roof behind her, observing, as Kushina let out a tired breath, "Now's not the time to get in my way… Kakashi." She bit out. Because really?
Kakashi stepped out on the roof, shoulders hunched, "Tsunade-Sama sent me." He said sharply, clenching a fist angrily, "Said I might as well make myself useful!" There was bitter self recrimination in those words. Any other time, Kushina might have probed further, but she had something else on her mind.
"Move, Kakashi." She ordered angrily. "Or I will go through you." The ANBU team's intent grew sharper at that, but Kushina was beyond caring.
"She's not there!" Kakashi snapped. Holding himself stiffly. Drawing Kushina's attention. For the first time she noticed the pale face, the slight tremble in his limbs, the dirty and ripped gear. She felt the heat inside her dissipate slightly. He'd been injured as well… He'd been there… When it happened…
"What happened, Kakashi? How did they get by you, dattebane?" Kushina asked, stepping forward, she hadn't meant anything by it, but realized she hadn't phrased that carefully enough when the child in front of her violently flinched at her query. "Kakashi… Whatever happened wasn't your fault." She backpedaled, watching him with compassion on her face, letting her anger simmer. It wasn't useful right now, "I just need to know…" She bit her lip hard enough to draw blood, "Where is she?"
Kakashi eyed her stiffly, his eyes frustrated and shameful. He turned away, holding his arms tight to his body, but Kushina could still spot the slight shake to his limbs. Finally, Kakashi spoke, "Tsunade-Sama got a report that we needed medical assistance during the survival exam. She arrived and treated us onsite and took Inohana for further treatment." He reported coldly and clinically. His eyes turned to Kushina's, "The hospital notified her next of kin, as is protocol." He droned on, making Kushina let out a low growl from her throat. "When Tsunade found out she'd been signed out, she was furious. She intercepted them on the way home. She removed Inohana from her father's care." Kakashi clenched his fists, even as he continued on, sounding completely detached now. "And then came to see me in the hospital, sent me on a mission to watch the Tsubuki compound, to guard the compound and intercept you in case you'd arrive here before Tsunade could find you."
Kushina sighed in relief, Inohana-chan was safe. She stepped forward to check on Kakashi, having released the swirling hurricane of her chakra, but the youth flinched away from her, drawing a look of chagrined self recrimination from Kushina. "Kakashi… I meant what I said, it couldn't possibly have been your fault."
The ANBU team melted into the background. But Kushina was sure they were still around somewhere. Keeping an eye on her. Even if she couldn't feel them. Kushina moved slowly towards Kakashi, telegraphing her movements. The wary kid watching her out of the corner of his eyes. Slowly she reached out and ruffled his hair. He scoffed at her, tilting his head out of the way of her hand, but something in his shoulders eased a bit.
"Let's go, we can see Inohana-chan together at Tsunade's, you mister, need to get some rest, dattebane!" Kushina scolded, gently grabbing Kakashi's shoulder. She felt bad for how she'd reacted, she'd have sooooo many people to apologize to. Mikoto would probably never forgive her!
Kakashi shook his head tiredly, although he tried to project an aura of readiness, "Tsunade-Sama got called in to the Hokage. So she passed Inohana over to Orochimaru-Sama at his laboratory."
Kushina's smile became fixed. "That's… That's good…" She managed to force out, not willing to disparage one of Konoha's heroes in front of Minato's impressionable little student. "Just to be on the safe side… Why don't you show me there. Now, dattebane!" She ordered, giving the tired Kakashi a weak smile.
"Tsunade-Sama didn't give me an end point of my assignment. I still have to guard the compound from your approach." Kakashi said seriously. Looking ready to drop from exhaustion, probably having had no rest from when he was injured - to traveling back to Konoha, then this assignment.
Kushina didn't know whether to laugh or cry. What have we done to our children? She thought morosely. He's so young… Inohana is so young… "Well, your assignment is to guard the compound from me, no?" She said conspiratorially, "So if you show me to Orochimaru, you're taking me away from the compound and completing your mission."
Kushina was glad Kakashi accepted that reasoning. She'd already messed up by her immediate sort of accusation on why he hadn't stopped whatever injured Inohana. She'd hate to have to knock him out too and destroy whatever little trust he had in her.
Her mind whirled, as she tried to keep a better hold on her emotions. Blowing her lid had been a mistake that she'd no doubt pay for. She couldn't afford to do it again. And surely. Orochimaru couldn't be that bad. Tsunade trusted him…
But something was going on… She should have been notified…
To be on the safe side, she put some extra force in her body flicker, dragging Kakashi with her, to his mortified protests when she picked him up. Easily disarming him when he tried to stab her. Kids were cute. "Jounin, sweetie." She just chuckled, ignoring his protests and continuing to flicker across Konoha's rooftops. Heading towards Orochimaru's main lab.
Her face hardened, unseen by her unwilling carry on.
She wouldn't be satisfied until she had Inohana back home in bed. Where she belonged.
Snake or Slug Sannin. She'd show them a thing or two if they had a problem with that.
No one touched her precious people, dattebane!
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Silently behind them, ANBU team Gamma followed. One member split from the squad to report to the Hokage for further orders and back up.
They'd need firm orders if another incident occurred. No one on the squad relished the thought of engaging with the woman while she was enraged.
She had ruthlessly proved on the battlefield what those chakra chains of hers could do to a man's orifices.
With Orochimaru the destination, the squad had the uncomfortable realization that if things went sour, the choice between snakes or chakra chains wasn't a good choice at all. Or worse, both at the same time.
The Hokage would know what to do. Their requested backup would surely arrive before they made it too far.
The squad leader silently went over his will in his head, perhaps it had been a bad omen to update it.
Grimly they followed the Uzumaki, preparing for a fight.
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A few minutes later.
Hokage's office.
"No." Sarutobi Hiruzen said simply. Stamping another piece of paper - in the endless war that was bureaucracy.
"Sir!?" ANBU agent Dove asked, trying to stress how potentially volatile the situation could become.
Hiruzen simply raised an unimpressed eyebrow, dismissing him. Snorting in amusement when the ANBU quickly disappeared to rejoin his squad again.
Children.
All of them. He huffed. He eyed the couch that until a moment ago had held his female student. His eyes lingered on the empty sake bottles.
She can handle it. And the more his hands look clean in all this - the better.
Better they handle their issues here in the village now, and not the battlefield…
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I wake up, blinking blearily, there was a light right above my head, my newly awoken eyes are blurry and squinting against the light. I try to move my hand to shield them - only to find that I can't. My arm is strapped down. I jerk it uselessly - suddenly wide awake. A quick check of my other limbs finds them similarly restrained, I fight back the rising panic as I try and locate my whereabouts, my eyes slowly getting used to the light. Had I failed? Did they take us captive?
What I see around me…It's a scene from one of my many nightmares - especially since meeting Orochimaru. I fervently hope that it's just another dream, that I'm just having a very vivid nightmare, as I uselessly tear at the restraints again. I'm strapped to a cold metal gurney, naked as the day I was born, covered by a sheet. I recognize my surroundings. I've worked here enough, the specimen tubes, the surgical suite, the drains in the floor… I'm in Orochimaru's main laboratory. Naked and restrained. Bile is rising in my throat, I'm desperately trying to hold back the panic and think of something, anything. This is what I've feared ever since laying eyes on the Snake Sannin.
"I can hear your heartbeat, child, stop panicking, it's pathetic." An irritated hiss comes from somewhere behind me. I strain my neck to see, and obligingly, Orochimaru steps further into the light, peering down at me with a mild look of annoyance.
"Why am I strapped down?" I ask, putting on a brave face, raising an inquiring eyebrow, the effect ruined somewhat by my trembling, and the fact I'm looking at him upside down, "Orochimaru-Sama? I add belatedly, it couldn't hurt to be respectful in this situation. As much as it rankles me to show any respect to the man I know is an absolute monster.
Orochimaru smirks sardonically, "You're saying, child, that if you were to awake in this particular situation," He eyes me meaningfully, some dark humor in his golden serpentine eyes. "That you would not act rashly - were you not restrained?"
"I can keep a cool head." I fire back, not ever going to admit out loud that he is likely dead on the money - I am still freaking out, albeit quietly. If I did not have any restraints… Yet being restrained in Orochimaru's lab, I'd choose literally anything before that.
"We'll see." Orochimaru says, casually severing the restraints so quickly I only catch a slight blur. Wind nature, I think, impressed with the casual display of such mastery of an element.
I immediately sit up, pulling the sheet up with me to cover me, although I don't know why I bother, Orochimaru likely took his time studying me if he had me down here for whatever reason… I rub my aching wrists - I hadn't been restrained loosely at all, the Sannin does not take chances, even with children, it seems. I'm not usually terribly body conscious, but with my scars and the location, I need that extra shield of the sheet to not feel even more uncomfortable. Any weakness around Orochimaru is a bad idea however, and he immediately pounces.
"Interesting set of scars for one so young." He says sibilantly, circling the gurney, eyes intent on me, I meet his eyes defiantly, chin tilted up. I will not allow this monster to get into my head.
"Any particular reason you wanted to see me naked?" I riposte, distaste dripping off my tongue as I give him a look of loathing. "Or are the rumors of you and children, true?" I'll be damned if I let him get in my head, I've been weak enough already! I will not let this snake slither his way in, I'm not going to be one of his little lost children to use and discard!
"So crude, child. I couldn't care less about that," Orochimaru chuckles quietly, coming to a stop in front of me, eying me up like I am some particularly delicious looking roast, it feels very discomforting. "Now, who's the artist that so beautifully carved you up, hmm? Ku ku ku…"
I raise the sheet higher, meeting his gaze with a defiant one of my own, tucking the sheet under my chin, "Did you send those men to ambush us?" I pivot, refusing to talk about my scars with another sociopath - and I don't believe for a second he doesn't know exactly who scarred me. My lip curls in disgust, "You did, didn't you?" I accuse, meeting his eyes, letting my anger bleed through my gaze. It's further stoked at his utterly calm and amused look back.
"Yes." He hisses out slowly, looking delighted that I figured it out. A slow smirk grows on his face as he stares at me unblinkingly.
I blink for a moment, taken aback with his easy acceptance of the accusation. "You're admitting it. That easily?" What's he playing at…?
Orochimaru smiles, a cruel twist to his thin lips, "It worked, did it not?" He pushes back a lock of my hair with long pale fingers, and I shudder, recoiling. His smile widens at the reaction, and he slowly licks his lips, "You've broken through your plateau. Fear is always a good motivator, I've found." He says it so casually, like we're having a discussion over tea. Not talking about the missing nin he sent to harm us. That crushed my foot.
"How far would they have gone?" I bite out between clenched teeth. My fists clenched, with bunches of the sheet in them, shaking. "How far!?" I shout, straight at the Snake Sannin, our faces only inches apart. My fear is not enough in the face of my outrage. Those men had threatened to… "How far?" I growl out a third time. How dare he!? So far for supposedly loyal!
Orochimaru tilts his head, studying me curiously, "Why do you want to know?" He asks, grasping my chin with one hand, holding my face steady, studying me, chuckling as I scramble back on the gurney, sheet falling as I grab his arm and try to pry it away, with no success - I'd have an easier time trying to push away the Hokage mountain. "Simple curiosity? Hmm?" He asks, before slowly licking his lips again, "Or concern for your little friends?" He mocks viciously, "Will you benefit from having the answer, girl? And if not? Why are you asking?" His golden eyes bore into mine as I continue to struggle against his grip. "Why invite weakness, child?" He sounds honestly curious.
Finally he releases me, and I jump off the gurney, belatedly grabbing the sheet and wrapping it around me again, my bare feet cold against the stone floor. "Because more information is never worthless!" I spit out, knowing it would be an acceptable answer, and more likely to actually receive a response. And I hate how I know Orochimaru enough to attempt to play such games with him.
"Knowledge is power, that is true." Orochimaru says, eyes glinting in the light from the overhead bulb, the rest of the lab in darkness, tubes and equipment barely visible. The gurney and our two forms stand in the small circle of available light, each of us now on opposite ends of the gurney, under the light, a step away from the darkness. "Knowledge that makes you weaker, is not power." He chastises. He flips his long hair over his shoulders, in a very feminine way in my opinion - and I hate that he somehow manages to pull it off better than I ever could, "You'd need to be as impressive as myself before you can actualize that knowledge is power, child."
"So you're not going to tell me…" I conclude, grimacing. Grasping the sheet, feeling pain in the foot that had been crushed, but refusing to look down. Perhaps jumping off the gurney had been ill advised. It's obviously been healed… But I don't want to look down, not in front of Orochimaru… If it's scarred… I can't have a reaction here…
"Ku ku ku, I'll tell you." Orochimaru promises with a cruel smirk, "I'm just advising you of the foolishness of someone as emotional as yourself to invite further distress."
I bite my lip, forcing down my immediate emotional response. I don't need any more superior smugness from her Highness…"I deserve to know." I finally say. Straightening my back, glaring him in the eyes - this would work so much better if I was wearing more than a sheet...I feel so exposed, weak. My gear and weapons wouldn't make a difference against a Sannin, but they would make me feel better. "If you're going to play with my life, I should know what the stakes are, don't you think?" I grit my teeth and push out, "Orochimaru-Sama." Again, it couldn't hurt, no matter how it makes disgust crawl up my spine.
"Ku ku ku…" Orochimaru chuckles darkly, "Spoken like a Kunoichi." He says, and that is a hint of approval in his tone. Just what I need, I fight back the queasiness of my stomach and stare straight at him, "Well?" I ask, keeping my composure.
"No permanent dismemberment, and no deaths." Orochimaru says flippantly, looking bored now that the game is over, "Those were the only requirements." A small smile flickers into being on his face, "Trauma has a way of revealing abilities you never knew you had." He hisses out cruelly, eyes practically dissecting me before him, making me feel so small and pathetic, before he moves away, uncaring of what he'd just revealed. Sinking back into the darkness.
I stand there, barefoot, my foot aching something fierce. I embrace the pain, savor it. Pain is simple, pain I can understand. Focusing on it helps me stay calm, stay in the moment. I'm still in a dangerous place, with a dangerous Shinobi, I've no idea where my gear is, or if anyone knows I'm here. The knowledge of things that could have happened if I hadn't stopped the missing nin… I viciously tear the thoughts apart as they form, I won, they lost. Any fear or thoughts on the matter don't matter anymore. I stamp down on them, hard. And then I silently trot after Orochimaru.
Not like I have any other options right now.
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Kushina had always been quite happy with the fact Orochimaru's main laboratory was out of the way - the less she saw or heard about the place the better. The man might be a loyal Shinobi, but he was creepy as all hell, and undoubtedly dangerous.
It was not exactly a secret what kind of things Orochimaru did to Konoha's enemies - everyone just tended to look the other way and not take too close of a look. People didn't want to know, Kushina didn't want to know.
If she was Hokage, she'd certainly have a thing or two to say about how Orochimaru was given such leeway…
Now though, it only meant it was taking her that much longer to arrive at the area that held the entrance to the underground complex. How could Tsunade have given Inohana to Orochimaru!? If she needed somewhere for Inohana while she recovered - why didn't she get Kushina. The more she thought about it, the darker her thoughts got. Why did Mikoto hear about it in the rumor mill, before Kushina could be notified? Tsunade had been at their house to treat Inohana before. She knew she lived with her now. She also was pretty much off the mission roster, and Inohana was her apprentice…
Why would she be kept in the dark? Unless… She was meant to be kept out of it.
If they had some sinister purpose in keeping Inohana isolated…
Kushina's fears materialized as she came to a stop on a field, a mile or so before the entrance to Orochimaru's main laboratory. Tsunade was standing on the field, arms crossed, a conflicted look on her face.
"You might want to go, Kakashi-kun." Kushina said softly, dropping the youth."Go home, dattebane." She ordered, scoffing in annoyance as he simply disappeared amongst the trees overlooking them, taking a perch. Annoying kid. Now of all times he can't follow orders. Or is the little shit still insisting on following Tsunade's? That could become a problem…
"Kushina… I was going to tell you… I just had to finish up with the old man first." Tsunade said, amber eyes soft, but pained, "She's safe, never worry about that." She promised.
Kushina's eyes narrowed in displeasure, Like I can trust you, anymore, dattebane! She thought acerbically. She moved to go around the Slug Sannin, and Tsunade immediately moved to cover the space. Thought so… Kushina thought, feeling her anger flickering into a storm of rage again, boiling in her veins.
Kushina rolled up her sleeves, cracking her neck, her red hair beginning to flow in the air behind her, forming tails, "So move." She said simply, a grim look on her face. "I'll check on her, myself."
"Not until Orochimaru is done." Tsunade said firmly, she held a hand out towards Kushina, pleading. "Kushina, the girl made it! She managed to manipulate the chakra and brain of a Shinobi! We need to ensure she can do it again, ensure she doesn't hide it! She's been trying to hide her progress from Orochimaru and we can't have it" Tsunade's voice grew desperate, "It's for Dan, Kushina, can't you see! The girl can save him!"
Kushina's face grew stormy, so she wasn't the only one that had realized Inohana's reluctance in cooperating with Orochimaru then. Tch, figures it wouldn't go unnoticed by the Sannin, well… Fuck them, dattebane!
A chakra chain erupted from the ground under Tsunade, Tsunade dodging by an inch, heel quickly tapping the ground and cratering it as she landed - revealing the chain in full, snaked out from behind Kushina and into the ground. The chain had been slowly moving toward the Sannin the entire conversation. Kushina growled angrily at the Slug Sannin, "That girl!" She snapped, "Has a name!" And she exploded forward, utilizing chakra and pure physical force to shoot forward. A torrent of wind destroyed nearby trees in her wake, forcing Kakashi to scramble further out of the way, the ground cratered and cracked behind her.
"So be it." Tsunade grimaced, a light tap of her foot, cracking the earth. She easily used the tip of her heels to lift the massive slab into the air, and then kicked it - sending it flying towards the incoming Kunoichi. "You'll see sense once I knock some into you!" Tsunade roared, a twitch on her face as she cracked her knuckles. "This doesn't need to be a fight." She tried one last time, a pleading hitch to her voice as she prepared to fight her Uzumaki cousin.
Kushina shot two chakra chains into the ground, and reeled herself down, narrowly passing under the incoming mass of earth and rock. Sliding under it, coming up on the other side, a mouthful of fire already spilling out between her lips. The great fireball jutsu - performed without a single hand seal - hit nothing, Tsunade wasn't there anymore. The earth scorched and blackened from the intense heat of Kushina's jutsu - intensified by the burning anger she'd created it with.
"Oh this definitely needs to be a fight, dattebane!" Kushina roared back in disagreement, already turning and pinpointing Tsunade's location, chains flying ahead. She was so sick and tired of EVERYONE butting in and thinking they could take advantage of Inohana! "This ends, TODAY, DATTEBANE!" She screamed.
The clearing exploded.
＊＊＊
ANBU Otter held the shocked Kakashi under one arm, perching on a tree - a considerable further distance from the ongoing fight. And here he'd thought Orochimaru would be the problem. He should have figured it would never be that easy when it came to powerful Kunoichi.
ANBU Dove appeared, instantly gaining the attention of the squad. Not the full attention, of course. They were elites - no one was comfortable looking away from the carnage, it could head their way in a matter of a second. They might be ANBU, but one of the Sannin was not something they could do anything but retreat from - especially once you factored in the enraged Jinchuuriki as well.
"No backup." Dove reported using hand signs since they had a genin amongst them. "Tsunade is enroute."
"You're late." Otter responded dryly, a simple genjutsu knocking the child Hatake out. Better safe than sorry - a kid like that is exactly the kind who would reverse engineer ANBU sign language. Otter should know, he'd been that kind of obnoxious kid - the Nidaime had beaten it out of him, it had kept him alive. Hopefully Hatake would make it to his age, child geniuses so rarely did. Too clever for their own good.
"Sorry for not outpacing a Sannin." Dove grumbled irritably. The squad would undoubtedly give him hell for it once they weren't in danger anymore.
Otter shook his head, "She got here before all of us, they're just a different kind of Shinobi." He said, ill at ease. There was a war going on, they should hardly be fighting each other like this right now, if it was any other Shinobi, they'd come down hard on them.
Not exactly an easy prospect when it was Tsunade of the Sannin and Uzumaki Kushina the Ninetails Jinchuuriki duking it out. Unless the Hokage himself came out, who exactly could come down hard on them?
"What do we do?" Toad asked quietly. The man's Byakugan as always was a boon to the team, allowing them to gain some distance from the battle and still keep watch.
"We wait. And we observe." Otter said with finality. What else could they do?
If either of them went for a real killing strike… He knew he had to intervene.
He really hoped it didn't come to that.
He was so close to retiring from the force. Death by an enraged Kunoichi might have been the younger him's preferred way to go - but he'd prefer something easier in his old age.
Like a fight with the Tshuchikage with one arm tied behind his back.
The ANBU team watched helplessly as the two relatives pounded on each other, with complete disregard for the environment around them.
An elite team of Konoha's finest, reduced to bystanders.
＊＊＊
I follow Orochimaru through the lab, annoyed at the darkness surrounding us. I have assisted him down here before, I know the lab has the capacity to be fully lit. Drama queen, I scoff internally. Keeping my outward appearance placid, I've already had one too many reactions that Orochimaru goaded me into - plying and prodding me, to see how I tick, to see how best to manipulate me, no doubt.
Orochimaru stops suddenly, carelessly waving a hand indicating the desk in the corner, barely visible in the low lighting."Your gear, get dressed, we have work to do." He said dismissively, stalking off, soon swallowed by the darkness completely.
I still feel his eyes on me though, even with my sensing muted due to all the privacy seals and barriers present in the underground lab - I feel that he's not far away. I approach the desk, finding a set of my gear folded nearly on the chair. Did Orochimaru break into my room for this? Or did Kushina hand it over? I think with some discomfort. My room is one of the few places I feel somewhat safe nowadays. I can't help but feel sickened at the thought of Orochimaru rifling through my things. Even so I do feel some amusement at the thought of the Snake Sannin personally bringing me underwear. Kami, my mind is messed up, I groan.
I drop the sheet, a shiver running through me as I begin to dress. I can feel the gaze of the Snake Sannin, like a predator just out of reach, watching, cataloging, planning. I don't know if it's worse or better, knowing there's nothing sexual in his intentions - dissection or experimentation is not exactly pleasant either. I quickly dress, strapping on a weapons pouch, it's useless really, but it makes me feel better. More prepared to face the world. My eyes catch a set of papers on the desk, I look at them warily. Orochimaru does not do anything without a reason - if there's something on this desk, it was put here for me to see.
Yet I hesitate. I'm not sure what game he's playing now, and if playing into it will make things worse for me or not. In the end there's really only one choice to make. Hadn't I argued about how knowledge is power no matter what. I reach for the first set of documents. Eyes scanning through them, the low light setting not mattering at such close distance.
This… this is… I read on, horrified. And fascinated. It's a complete study of my body, down to every internal process, my organs, veins, blood. Everything. It's a complete work up on me. How long have I been down here?
Everywhere there are annotations, notes on how to improve parts of me, seals to improve lung capacity, to make my kidneys process toxins faster, numerous ways to modify me to be better. It reads like a horror story, but I can't stop reading. If it weren't for the fact it would be Orochimaru doing this… I'd be interested… I silently admit to myself. This is not the curse seal, this is just ways to surgically alter and improve me or doing the same through sealing arts as well. Both combined to fix deficiencies or strengthen me. Nothing that in itself would make me S-rank in any manner, but something to bring me to the absolute peak of what my body could physically become. It's… Interesting reading.
"Why… Why me? You have a whole force of Shinobi to do these procedures with, to give Konoha an advantage." I ask the darkness, knowing he's somewhere in there, watching me. Not everyone would accept it, but many would. Anything for an edge is practically the Shinobi motto…
"Konoha has an image to uphold." Orochimaru's pale face appears from within the darkness, an amused look on it, "My research is not for the masses." He chuckles nastily, "It's been well tested, by the darker side of our village, not to worry child."
The papers fall from my hands, Root, I think distastefully. It isn't enough they steal children away and make them kill each other. They also surgically alter their very being. I can't believe I was even thinking of the benefits of this. How many kids have died to advance this research? "Apologies, Orochimaru- Sama…" I say slowly, distastefully, "But I do not belong to the darker side of the village. I'd say Kushina-shishou is the very light of the village." With a flicker of chakra the little firestarter trick taught in the Academy, destroys the papers denoting my every weakness. "I am going to be a Kunoichi of Konoha, just like my Shishou."
If anything Orochimaru only looks more amused at my belligerent actions. "Of course." He hisses out, eyes laughing at me.
I watch him suspiciously, he knows something I don't. Of course he knows a lot I don't. But this specific something has to do with me, I can feel it. I bite my lip, it doesn't matter. He won't share it with me anyway. "So if you're done with your examination, can I leave now, Orochimaru-Sama?"
"One more thing first, follow me." Orochimaru's amused voice cuts through the darkness as his presence slinks away, heading towards the tunnel leading downwards. To the cells. I can feel his anticipation.
I quietly curse, of course he'd know I've managed to break through, he sent the damn men to make sure of it. I follow him slowly. From experience I know it's not a long trip, but somehow every step I take feels like an eternity, the tunnel stretching on forever.
Eventually I step out into the cell block, somewhat surprised to see how empty it is. I can only faintly feel chakra with all the protections on this place - but I only pick out three chakra signatures - other than Orochimaru and myself.
Orochimaru stands in front of one of the cells, the black amputated woman I'd once met when I first began practicing, scowls at us both, as I approach. The area down here is well lit, Orochimaru is apparently done with his little games, or at least those games. The woman is almost skeletal, her eyes the only part of her that still looks strong, burning with hatred. I meet them, feeling nothing but disgust with this whole world for this being the norm.
I almost let out a chuckle at the thought. It wasn't long ago that I would have only cared about my own progress and seen the poor woman as nothing but a means to an end. How much I've actually changed, all thanks to Kushina. Perhaps I'd been more easily ensnared in the wily Snake's games if I still believed as I had when I first entered this world. "I acted out of desperation, I don't think I can replicate it so easily." I tell Orochimaru, it's a lie, because I do remember. But I don't want to show him how.
Orochimaru gives me a measured look, before smiling, licking his lips, "You're an accomplished liar." He says approvingly, "Control your heartbeat better, don't try for such an earnest look in your eyes, it comes across as too manufactured and will make Shinobi suspicious." He lectures me. "As for you performing the ability… Perhaps some motivation." He muses, a malicious smile forming, as he performs a few quick hand seals.
I back up, eyeing him warily, the seal speed so fast I can't tell what he's doing, motivate me how? I think, preparing myself for a snake summon - the most likely culprit.
Instead, nothing happens. The Snake Sannin just stands there smugly, having finished the seal sequence.
It takes me a minute to realize, my sensing ability can stretch further, he'd loosened the protections around the lab. Suddenly dust falls down on us as an almighty boom can be heard far above us, my eyes widening as I stare up, ignoring the falling dust. I recognize the chakra.
"Ku ku ku…" Orochimaru lays a cold hand on my shoulder, making me flinch back slightly, my gaze still focused upwards. "It seems dear Kushina has found out you're down here…"
"Why is she fighting Tsunade!?" I say, horrified, feeling the two chakras engaging above us. I turn my gaze to Orochimaru, "What have you done?" I demand to know.
"Tsunade is simply interested in you completing your ability… Kushina disagrees I would assume. Oh dear," Orochimaru drawled sarcastically, "It seems your Shishou is in a fight she can't possibly win."
I clench my fists, nails digging into my palms, "Tsunade won't kill her." I spit out, flinching as I feel a particularly violent clash of chakra. My eyes flicker with worry as I feel a dash of the Kyuubi's chakra entering the fray. No… Shishou, not for me! I think, sadly.
"Of course not, but this incident will look very bad for your dear Shishou," Orochimaru mocks, walking behind me, putting both hands on my shoulders, leaning over me, his hair tickling my face with how long it is. "If me or Tsunade were to make an official complaint… Why I doubt Kushina-shishou will be allowed to be a sensei at all." He continues sibilantly, dark pleasure shining like a beacon out of his sick predatory chakra.
"You've made your point." I say defeated. "I show what I can do, and you let Kushina-shishou off the hook for fighting Tsunade." My voice comes out slightly hollow. Even now… I'm making Kushina-shishou's life worse. She's fighting Tsunade for Kami's sake! There's a war going on! She can't afford to make people look too closely at her, foreign born and a Jinchuuriki! This could get bad.
"Show me." Orochimaru says, giving me a slight push forward towards the cell. Where the weakened Kunoichi is still glaring at us, not even bothering to speak, or perhaps too weak to.
I shiver as I stand before the poor Kunoichi, an enemy perhaps, but no one deserves Orochimaru. I don't bother with apologies, they're worthless, and she wouldn't listen anyway. With Orochimaru looming above me, I insert my chakra in her system with my chakra strings. Slowly allowing myself to acclimate to her chakra, flowing along. Eventually after some false starts, succeeding in shutting her down, forcing her unconscious.
I look up at Orochimaru with wary eyes, and my heart skips a beat as I watch the furrowed brows of the Snake Sannin. He didn't get it?
"What did you do, child?" He hisses out, for once actual consternation making it onto his pale face. His golden eyes zero in on me, the madness more apparent behind the gaze as he grasps my shoulder hard, "How did you do that? I didn't sense anything!?"
I think rapidly, staring up at the Snake Sannin, perhaps, I theorize, the notion of giving in, of following the flow, making no attempt to dominate it, is something Orochimaru can't even understand, let alone pick out the difference in the flow between my chakra and the subjects. I feel utter relief filling me, He can't copy it!
"I don't know how I do it, I just do it." I grumble, using Orochimaru's own advice to attempt to lie better. I don't know if it works or if he's just too preoccupied in his own thoughts, but he lets me go and starts muttering to himself, his chakra flowing agitatedly.
I watch him warily, but he seems to make no further moves, and step by step, I move away, until with one last glance into the cell block. I run, run as fast as I can for the entrance. To stop Kushina-shishou.
I have no idea if Orochimaru will keep his word or not, but either way, the fight has to end.
I will not let myself anchor Kushina-shishou down even further than I already am.
＊＊＊
By the time I make it to the area of the fight, I can only stare in shock, the landscape is completely destroyed, the ground torn up and missing chunks the size of a building, fires raging at the periphery of the field.
Tsunade stands at one end, breathing somewhat laboriously, but not a scratch on her, whether she'd just healed herself up, or completely avoided Kushina's attacks I can't tell. Her clothing is torn in places however, I avert my eyes, even if we are both females, there is something wrong with staring at those giant jugs exposed through the torn clothing.
My gaze finds my Shishou, I make a hurt noise of protest in my throat as I take her in, her clothing is ripped and muddy, there's blood all over her face, her nose has been broken, I'm guessing, it has healed, but the blood remains and it makes her look horrible. Her hair is singed at the ends, much shorter than I've ever seen it. She looks like she's been through the ringer. "Shishou!" I manage to call out. I want to apologize, fix things. This has happened because of me.
From one moment to the next, Kushina appears in front of me, and I'm swept into her arms, pressed into her, smelling the smoke, blood and her unique scent, having to hold back tears at the familiarity. My own arms grasping around her tightly, "Shishou!" I cry out.
"Inohana! My Ino! You're okay, thank kami, you're okay!" Kushina breathes out, kissing my head several times in succession, pulling me almost painfully tight against her.
"You came for me…" I say, quietly, torn between elation and sadness. The risks to her career and life in the village she's taken to go against the Sannin. For me. I can't help it, I hug her harder, "I… I was scared." I may technically be older than her, but this new life has been insane, and she's been the steady rock through it all. She's saved me. From being like Orochimaru. Or my father. "Thank you!"
"Oh, sweetie, I'll always come for you." Kushina coos, practically melting into me, the whole world ceasing to exist as we both just fall into each other. Feeling safe. Together.
"Did you do it?" Tsunade asks tiredly, I turn my eyes her way, taking in the hopeful look on her face, and the devastated feeling of her chakra. Tsunade was weeping on the inside for betraying Kushina-shishou, but her will is still steadfast.
Kushina-shishou turns a violet glare on the Slug Sannin, "You, leave her alone, dattebane!" She growls. Pushing me half behind her, her chakra beginning to pulse violently.
"Shishou, let me." I say, grabbing her hand, "No more fighting." I step forward, a spark of joy in me as Kushina immediately steps up behind me and pulls me against her, having my back, quite literally. One hand stroking my cheek softly.
"I did. Orochimaru couldn't understand how. So I doubt he can replicate it." I say, meeting Tsunade's eyes, willing her to understand the implications.
Tsunade smiles, relieved, her eyes saddened. "Thank you, Inohana." She says simply.
Kushina-shishou jumps in, "That means only Inohana can still help, so if you want her help… Back off, dattebane." She shows her teeth and I look up at her with exasperation, I'm trying to stop a fight here! I think tiredly.
"If you want my help, you'll clear Kushina-shishou of any fault today. You and Orochimaru will take the blame." I say quickly. Before Kushina can pick another fight. "Non-negotiable." I say firmly.
Tsunade sighs, but nods, "It is my fault anyway, I should have gotten to you first, Kushina. You'll face no reprimands, I'll take care of it." She promises.
That's enough for me, I sag back into the body of Shishou, at least that's solved. Kushina-shishou won't face punishment because of me.
I feel Kushina-shishou's chakra turning determined, I glance up at her, but she's staring straight ahead at Tsunade, glaring fiercely.
"You come near her again, without having asked for my permission, I don't care if you have orders from the old man himself. You will pay!" She says slowly, but with intent.
Tsunade nods, a conflicted look on her face, her amber eyes taking on a hard glint. "You know you can't fight me, Kushina." She warns. Even if she seems accepting of the ultimatum. Then again, I think, she's already broken her word so how much can that be trusted.
Kushina nods, a dark look on her face, "I don't need to fight you to beat you," she says utterly calmly, "I just need to slit Dan's throat."
Shit… Shishou… I think, bracing myself. Where did that come from?
Instead of exploding like I expected, Tsunade nods grimly. "Threat noted, I'll back off."
Tsunade gives one last long look at us, opening her mouth twice, closing it before a word comes out, before body flickering away, an aura of sadness in her chakra as she does.
"Shishou, you wouldn't…. Really….?" I ask quietly. Eyes flickering to the trees, feeling the presence of an ANBU team… And Kakashi for some reason?
Kushina's eyes were hard as she stared after Tsunade. "Sweetie… Let's hope we never have to find out." She mutters. Before sweeping me into her arms, taking me away.
＊＊＊
"So she'll be able to do it then." Hiruzen said, puffing on his pipe, a pleased expression on his face. "She's turning into a valuable asset."
Orochimaru languidly waved a hand in the air, "She'll be wasted without the proper guidance." He pointed out, a slick grin on his face. The Snake Sannin casually leaned back in the chair, one of the few who dared be so casual in the Hokage's office. Something Hiruzen found he enjoyed more and more the older he got. One could only handle so much of reverence and ass kissing.
Hiruzen tapped some ashes out of his pipe, taking the time to think, the small action one of many he utilized when he needed a moment, finally he spoke up again, meeting the eyes of his student, "There's quite the fight for her." He pointed out mildly.
"Ku ku ku…"
Orochimaru's eyes were alight with anticipatory glee, "I do enjoy a good fight now and then, sensei."
Hiruzen smiled indulgently, "You usually win too."
"Yes… Yes I do." Came the final pleased hiss.
＊＊＊
"So the girl might be of some use then." The quiet and stern voice mused out loud.
Orochimaru, sitting in a seiza position, tilted his head, an amused glint in his serpentine eyes, "Have I ever steered you wrong?" He said, somewhat mockingly.
"You're asking for trust, Orochimaru?" The stern voice asked piercingly, "Trust is not for the likes of us."
Orochimaru splayed his hands out, "Not trust, more like, an open hand to proceed as I wish for now." He demurred. "Some roots grow better with some sunlight."
There was only silence as the other man contemplated matters. Orochimaru leaned forward, "You've had a hand in the father, it would assist me greatly, to both our benefits, if I was to gain access."
Shimura Danzo leaned forward, one eye peering at the Snake Sannin distrustfully. The two Root subordinates behind him never taking their eyes off the Snake Sannin, hands on their swords.
Orochimaru simply smirked irreverently, he wasn't supposed to have that information, but so few things could stay hidden from him. Especially when it came to an interesting specimen.
Silence reigned for minutes.
"Acceptable."
＊＊＊
Authors Note:
So to absolutely no one's surprise I'm sure. Danzo is revealed to have a hand in the weirdness of the Tsubuki clan.
Bit of an Orochimaru and Kushina heavy chapter. Should be back to mostly Inohana next chapter as graduation comes.
Now I wonder - is it Danzo or Hiruzen that gave Orochimaru the permission to play so dangerously, hmm? Missing nin aren't normally part of academy exercises after all.
Tsunade's desperation shines through. This is the woman that at least thought about fucking over everything she'd ever been loyal to and accepting Orochimaru's deal to heal his arms in canon - she might not have accepted in the end - but she sure as hell was thinking about it. Here she has Dan still possibly able to come back to her, after years sitting at his bedside. Kushina and Inohana lose out in the equation as Tsunade picks what's most important to her.
Her fiance Dan, and her teammate, Orochimaru. And loosely in the end, Konoha - as she can make the justification Dan's more important to the war effort then the feelings of a little girl. No matter that she's come to like her.
Hope it isn't too unbelievable that Tsunade would go further into this direction.
Cheers
JollyHippopotamus